Coronavirus (Covid-19) – Cornish Pirates Update

After initially digesting Monday evening’s news that the RFU is suspending all rugby activity in England (see the full release below), and mindful that the priority at present is the health and welfare of supporters, players, coaches, staff, and all associated with the club, the Cornish Pirates can for the present advise the following:

Match Postponements: The suspension, as it stands, will mean the postponement of our scheduled home game against London Scottish this Sunday, plus following games against Hartpury (away 27/3), Yorkshire Carnegie (away 5/4), and Jersey Reds (home 12/4).

Players: The players will maintain personal fitness levels in line with the recommendation made in the RFU’s release, plus during this period the offer to help within the community where practical, especially in relation to older people, will be made.

Tickets: At this stage it is unclear whether the matches will be rescheduled post 14th April, but any tickets purchased will be valid for rearranged fixtures should they get played at a later date. We will send out further updates regarding the status of games as and when we receive such information.

It is important not to visit the ticket office in person for obvious reasons. However, if you have an queries please contact Sue Read, email [email protected] or telephone 01736 331961 (Monday – Friday 9am – 12noon).

Hospitality: For any hospitality bookings the same applies as per the tickets position, with our contact being Robyn Ashurst, email [email protected]

Cornish Pirates CEO Rebecca Thomas has commented:

We are fully supportive of the decision made to suspend matches and the health and wellbeing of our staff, supporters and community comes first. We are taking the steps as per the guidelines and would urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to try and minimise the spread and impact of Covid-19, and to remain safe and well.

If anyone has any queries, please contact me by my email.

Director of Rugby Chris Stirling also added:

These are unprecedented times is a phrase that has been often used in recent days, and with very good reason, it’s the welfare of all that is at present a priority.

From a human and rugby perspective we can let the situation consume and overwhelm us or we can use our skills to help where we can – and to plan positively for the future.

RFU Suspends All Rugby
16th March 2020

Following government advice today, the RFU will suspend all rugby activity in England, at both professional and community level, including club training, league and cup matches plus rugby education courses from 17 March until 14 April subject to continued review.

The decision has been taken following government advice in the interests of players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and the wider rugby union community.

Where possible, players at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.

The RFU will continue to review and monitor government advice and will provide detailed updates on the impact to the season in the coming weeks.)